In vivo CRISPR screening identifies SAGA complex members as key regulators of hematopoiesis

Abstract

The biological mechanisms that sustain the vast blood production required for healthy life remain incompletely understood. To search for novel regulators of hematopoiesis, we performed genome-wide in vivo hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-based CRISPR knockout screens for regulators of hematopoiesis. We discovered SAGA complex members, including Tada2b and Taf5l, as key regulators of hematopoiesis. Loss of Tada2b or Taf5l strongly inhibited hematopoiesis in vivo, led to a buildup of immature hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow, and was associated with upregulation of interferon pathway genes. Loss of these factors also enhanced the cell outgrowth and the interferon pathway in an in vivo human myelodysplastic syndrome model, suggesting that loss of SAGA complex activity could contribute to hematological disease progression. In summary, this study has identified the SAGA complex as an important regulator of hematopoiesis.